The Primary Program: AWS Activate
AWS Activate is the main program offering AWS billing credits for startups. It provides a range of resources, tools, and support to help startups build and scale their businesses on the AWS Cloud.
Key Ways AWS Activate Provides Billing Credits:
- AWS Activate Founders: This package is designed for early-stage startups that are self-funded or pre-Series B and not yet associated with an AWS Activate Provider (like an accelerator or VC). It typically offers a smaller initial amount of credits (e.g., $1,000 USD).
- AWS Activate Portfolio: This package is for startups associated with an AWS Activate Provider. These providers have a direct relationship with AWS and can offer their portfolio companies significantly more credits, often up to $100,000 USD or even $300,000 USD for startups building on AWS Trainium and Inferentia. The exact amount depends on the provider and the startup’s stage.
How to Get AWS Activate Credits Online:
- Determine Your Category: Decide if you should apply as a “Founder” (if you’re not yet with a provider) or through an “Activate Provider” (if you are).
- Apply Through the AWS Startups Website:
- Go to the official AWS Startups page: https://aws.amazon.com/startups/
- Navigate to the AWS Activate section or search for “AWS Activate Credits.”
- Click on “Apply for Activate Credits.”
- You’ll be guided through the application process based on whether you’re a Founder or associated with a Provider.
- If Applying Through a Provider: You’ll likely need their specific “Organizational ID” to link your application to them. Contact your accelerator, incubator, or VC firm for this ID.
- Meet the Eligibility Criteria: Generally, for both tracks, your startup needs to:
- Be founded within the last 10 years.
- Have a fully functioning company website.
- Be self-funded or pre-Series B (for most cases).
- Not have previously received AWS Activate Credits of equal or greater value (depending on the tier).
- Create an AWS Account (if you don’t have one already).
- Complete the Application Form: Provide details about your startup, funding stage, and website.
- Submit Your Application: AWS will review your application, and if approved, the credits will be applied to your specified AWS account.
Other Potential Credit Opportunities:
- AWS Marketplace Offers: Keep an eye on the AWS Marketplace, as some software vendors or AWS itself might occasionally offer credits with the purchase or usage of certain products relevant to startups.
- Startup Programs by AWS Partners: Some AWS Partners offer their own programs that might include AWS credits as part of a broader package of support for startups.
Key Things to Remember About AWS Credits for Startups:
- Promotional: These are promotional credits with specific terms and conditions.
- Expiration Dates: Credits have an expiration date, so utilize them within the valid period.
- Eligible Services: Credits can typically be used for most AWS services, but there might be some exclusions (e.g., upfront costs for Reserved Instances, certain support plans).
- Automatic Application: Once granted, the credits are usually automatically applied to your AWS bill to offset eligible charges.
The AWS Activate program is the most reliable and significant source of AWS billing credits specifically designed to help startups grow. Make sure to explore the AWS Startups website to find the right application path for your company.